Jimin and Jungkook Discharged... Full Group Comeback Imminent
Fans from Around the World Gather at Discharge Ceremony
As BTS members Jungkook and Jimin are discharged from military service, attention is now focused on their future activities.
On June 11, Yonhap News TV reported that numerous fans from around the world gathered at the discharge ceremony for Jungkook and Jimin. Banners celebrating their discharge lined various locations leading to the public stadium that day. Around the stadium, large balloons and banners with phrases such as "Purple Return, Time to Soar Again" and "From Now On, It's Jungkook's Time" drew attention. Domestic and international fans gathered near the base and around the event venue from early in the morning, holding hand signs and cheering sticks to celebrate the two members' discharge.
Domestic and international fans celebrating Jungkook and Jimin's discharge from military service. Photo by EPA and Yonhap News
A female fan from Brazil celebrated their return with "ARMY," the name of the BTS fandom, written on her hand. In an interview with Yonhap News, she said, "I love Jungkook so much that I came to Korea yesterday, and I have been waiting here since 5 a.m. today. Although there are many people, I am so happy that I can see Jungkook even from afar." Another fan from Japan said, "Yesterday, I went to Gangwon Province to see RM and V, and today I came to Yeoncheon. I am so happy that they were discharged healthy and without injury," she said, her eyes welling with tears. Other fans also enjoyed the discharge ceremony like a festival, holding items or photo cards printed with Jungkook and Jimin. Fans who could not come to Korea participated remotely by watching the live broadcast online and sharing their thoughts on social media.
Fans of BTS, known as ARMY, waiting for BTS members Jimin and Jungkook, who are being discharged on the 11th, at Yeoncheon Public Stadium in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province on the same day. Photo by Yonhap News
The "BTS discharge issue" continues to be a hot topic around the world. On June 9, the Cartier watch worth about 20 million won that V wore at his discharge ceremony sold out suddenly on some regional online shopping sites due to high demand from fans, despite its high price. Foreign media such as the Associated Press also reported that not only did a huge number of fans gather at the BTS members' discharge ceremonies, but BTS-related keywords also dominated "real-time trends" online.
Meanwhile, on June 7, an LED truck advertisement appeared in Peru, on the other side of the globe, to celebrate Jimin's discharge in advance. The truck traveled throughout Lima, broadcasting an advertisement featuring videos of Jimin. Local fans took photos with the truck and Jimin merchandise, posting proof shots to celebrate his discharge. In addition, a congratulatory discharge advertisement prepared by fans has been airing on the large screen at Sugar Plaza in Budapest, Hungary since June 1. In New York's Times Square, displays related to BTS are also being shown. The exterior wall of HYBE headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, is also wrapped with the official logos of BTS and ARMY and the phrase "WE ARE BACK."
The official logos of BTS and ARMY along with the phrase "WE ARE BACK" are wrapped on the exterior wall of HYBE headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Meanwhile, after a long "military hiatus" due to mandatory service, BTS is soon expected to return as a complete group. Previously, Jin and J-Hope were discharged in June and October last year, respectively, and RM and V completed their service on June 9. Suga, who is serving as a social service worker, is scheduled to be discharged on June 21. Reflecting the anticipation for BTS's comeback, HYBE's stock price is also surging, reaching a new 52-week high.
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